A CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard rating means that dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Steep avalanche prone slopes are unstable and large destructive avalanches are possible. Conservative decisions with respect to terrain and expert route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Strong southwesterly to westerly winds created wind slabs that are one to three feet deep. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by snowmobilers or skiers who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche paths.
Deep hard slabs rest upon weak, faceted snow and crusts near the base of the snowpack. These instabilities exist on northwesterly to northeasterly aspects above 9,000 feet. Natural activity on this persistent weak layer occurred as recently as Friday. These dangerous slabs are sensitive to human triggers. With slab depths in excess of four feet, these slides could be fatal.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will become mostly clear after midnight and inverted temperatures will develop. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the negative teens as the valley plummets into the negative mid 20s. Periods of cloud cover and sunshine are expected during the day, and highs will be near zero at all elevations. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above 7,500 feet, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. Two avalanche problems will confront backcountry travelers. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed wind slabs up to three feet deep in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. Deep persistent slabs similar to the events that occurred on Thursday and Friday could also be human triggered with fatalities being a likely outcome. While the chance for natural activity for these two problems is decreasing, it might still be possible. Conservative decision making and expert route finding will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
